Electrolytic method and device

ABSTRACT

The present invention is used to obtund tooth decay and periodontal lesions by obstructing the proton motive force that exists in bacteria. The result is that glycolysis, DNA synthesis and chelation is upset and this will cause bacteria to dissolute logrithmically. The invention is also used to harden and remineralize enamel and dentin by using fluoride compounds available in over-the-counter dental cleansers. The invention takes into consideration the vector magnitude of the hydration layer between the enamel and the pellicle plaque layer of teeth which insulates the teeth from the electrical potentials of electrophoresis. The claim that electrical potentials can be placed on teeth does not take this physico-chemical phenomenon into consideration. This invention uses the proper voltage to produce ionization of molecules in a salivary slurry of gels, dentrifice&#39;s and rinses.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This is a non-provisional application having priority toprovisional application No. 60/227,267 filed on Nov. 15, 2000.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a toothbrush having sufficient meansfor providing sufficient voltage for electrolysis of dentifrice, gels,and rinses to produce hydronium ions and an aqueous acid media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] There is a hydration layer between the enamel of teeth and anatural covering of a glyco-protein adhesive film called a pellicle thatis present on all teeth in the oral cavity. This layer of watermolecules is vectorial with a positive charge directed toward theoxyanion of the phosphate ion of the apatite crystals of enamel. Thisvector magnitude insulates the tooth against electrical potentialsproduced by electrophoresis. Any claim that a potential on teeth byelectrophoresis does not take this physico-chemical phenomena intoaccount.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention uses the phenomena of electrolysis toobtund decay of teeth and periodontal disease. Without limiting theinvention to any mechanism, it is believed the production of a weak acidmedia, using an electromotive force for electrolysis, will react withthe fluoride and bicarbonate compounds, if present, of the dentrifice,gels, and rinses in the oral cavity. This is a more organized and activeuse of these products compared with the random and passive diffusionthat occurs when brushing in the absence of this energy The presentinvention provides an efficient means to obtund decay and periodontaldisease by lowering the count of acid-producing bacteria in plaque. Atthe same time, the present invention will strengthen the apatite crystalbundles of the hard tissues of teeth and bleach the teeth.

[0005] The present invention is a circuit comprising a) a dry cell waferbattery, b) two leads having exposed lead end plates, c) a photovoltaiccell, and d) a rectifying diode. Preferably, the circuit is incorporatedin a toothbrush produced by computer-aided injection moulding forprecision construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006]FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of a dielectric toothbrush.

[0007]FIG. 2 illustrates a top surface view of a dielectric toothbrush.

[0008]FIG. 3 depicts the circuitry of a dielectric toothbrush.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention system is used to harden impure apatitecrystal bundles of dentin and enamel as well as interfering in thesynthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The addition of the fluorideion present in gels, dentrifice pastes and topical applications to theapatite crystals under the influence of sufficient electromotive forceto induce an electrolytic redox reaction which will obtund tooth decay.

[0010] While brushing teeth, the two exposed end plates will contact theslurry of saliva, gels, dentifrice, and rinses that contain fluoride andsometimes bicarbonate molecules and with the proper voltage will cause aredox reaction with the water molecules present by electrolysisresulting in the production of weak acids of fluoride and bicarbonate.This acid media will diffuse the protons (i.e., hydrogen ions) presentthrough the cell walls and membranes of bacteria that exist in the oralcavity by mass action. Bacteria need the hydrolysis of ATP to formenergy rich metabolites for all vital functions. It is believed thepresence of the protons and the fluoride ions in the cytosol of thebacteria will upset the equilibrium of the proton motive force and theflavo-cytochrome transport system necessary for the enzymatic reactionsneeded for the production of ATP.

[0011] The basic reaction of the anode and cathode end plates is one ofelectrolysis of the water molecules existing in the slurry whilebrushing the teeth. How the system obtunds tooth decay and periodontitisand the embodiments of the toothbrush will become apparent from thedescription taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] The Electrolytic Circuitry

[0013]FIG. 1 shows the side view of a toothbrush with an exposed cathodelead contact plate surface 1. The cathode lead 2 enters the handle ofthe toothbrush and progresses to a cavity 3 with a protective cover (notshown) over it holding the wafer cell battery 4 where it contacts thecathode of the battery. The cathode lead 2 continues and contacts thecathode of the photovoltaic cell 5. FIG. 1 also shows the side view ofthe toothbrush with the exposed anode lead contact plate surface 6. Theanode lead 7 enters the handle of the toothbrush and progresses to acavity 3 holding the wafer cell battery 4 where it contacts the anode ofthe battery. The anode lead 7 continues through the cavity and contactsa rectifying diode 8. This diode prevents power leakage during darknessand adds longevity to the battery and in turn, is attached to the anodeof the photovoltaic cell 5 wherein said photovoltaic cell revitalizesthe battery 4. This completes the circuit of the system which will pumpelectrons from the cathode plate surface and remove them from the anodecontact plate surface.

[0014]FIG. 2 shows a top view of the relative positions of the exposedcontact plate surfaces 1 & 6 of the leads 2 & 7 and their contact withthe wafer cell battery 4, the anode lead 7 contact with the rectifyingdiode 8, the rectifying diode contact with the photovoltaic cell 5, thephotovoltaic cell contact with the cathode lead 2, and the contact ofthe cathode lead with the wafer cell battery 4.

[0015]FIG. 3 is a diagram of the circuitry enclosed in the handle of thetoothbrush with the exception of the exposed contact plate surfaces 1 &6. The arrows represent incident light on photovoltaic cell 5.

[0016] The Intracellular Biochemical Reactions

[0017] All energy requirements of bacteria are coupled to the hydrolysisof ATP. This energy is used for both exogonic and endogonic reactionsthat are necessary for cell growth and reproduction. In the cytosol ofbacteria oxidized organic compounds generate electrons, metabolites andprecursors to a number of lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins. Thecontents of the cytosol, cell walls, and plasma membranes are made up ofthese organic compounds. The synthesis of ribose and the dinucleotidesfrom pyrimidine and purine ribosephosphates are essential for DNA, RNA,coenzymes, and ribosomes.

[0018] ATP is produced by a two part protein vesicle in the plasmamembrane called ATPase or F₀F₁. Specifically, the ATPase is composed ofa stalk F₀ and a knob F₁. Protons from outside the membrane are drawninto the stalk F₀ section if there is a pH gradient between the cytosoland the environment outside the cell wall next to the plasma membrane.The stalk F₀ joins the knob F₁ section inside the membrane bathed by thecytosol. The enzyme component of knob F₁ will react with adenosinediphosphate (ADP) and HPO₄ ⁻² to form ATP.

[0019] The protons are produced by metabolic generating cycles in thecytosol which by their redox reactions with coenzyme molecules produce aflow of electrons. The generating cycles are called the Embden-Myerhofpathway of glycolysis, the pyruvate oxidation cycle, and the citric acidcycle. In these generating cycles, coenzyme molecules are reversiblyreduced and oxidized and produce a flow of electrons from a morenegative potential to a more positive potential. This results in anelectrochemical gradient between the inside and outside of the plasmamembrane. This change in electric potential releases energy in such away that protons are pushed outside the cytosol through the plasmamembrane to the outside environment. Here the flow of protons results inan acid pH outside the membrane and a low concentration of protons inthe cytosol. The resultant pH and electrochemical gradient favors theflow back across the membrane through the stalk F₀ and triggers acatalytic reaction of the enzyme F₁ to produce ATP from ADP and HPO₄ ⁻².The electrons that are transported down the voltage gradient liberatetheir energy with the resultant formation of more ATP at the ATPasesites in the plasma membrane. This phenomenon is called Proton MotiveForce.

[0020] The coenzyme system associated with the flow of electrons andprotons is called the flavo-cytochrome system of redox phosphorylation.Biochemists refer to this as the electron transfer system (ETS). Aseries of redox reactions occur beginning with nicotinamide adenosinedinucleotide (NAD⁺), to flavo-protein (FP), to coenzyme Q (CoQ), to agroup of cytochromes that ultimately reduce oxygen to water in aerobicrespiration and SO₃ to NH₃ and HS⁻ or H₂S, respectively.

[0021] The optimum temperature for bacteria in the oral cavity is 98.6°F. or 37.0° C. which is the average temperature of the oral cavity inhumans. The saliva of the oral cavity has an average pH of 7.0 andvaries between 6.8 and 8.0. At this optimum temperature and pHbiochemists have determined that the proportional relationship of theconcentrations of ATP-ADP-HPO₄ ⁻² is 8-1-8, respectively. The hydrolysisof ATP supplies the energy for the exogonic and the endogonic chemicalreactions of the bacterial cells for the metabolism of the organiccompounds necessary for growth, development, and reproduction. Mg²⁺ ionand some Mn²⁺ ions are present as chelators and coenzymes and act aschelators to attach to the two oxygen ions next to the purine adenosineof ATP. These are used to couple the hydrolysis of ATP to enzymes in themetabolic cycles of cell metabolism in bacteria.

[0022] The thermodynamic formula for Gibbs free energy changes for thischemical reaction can be represented by:

δΓ=δΓ⁰+ρT ln(ADP)(HPO₄)/ADP  I

[0023] with ln=natural logarithm, T=absolute temperature, P=the gasconstant, and 67 Γ=free standard energy. Substituting the numericalvalues into the formula:

δΓ=−31^(KJ/Mol)+8.134×10^(−3KJ/Mol)×310°ln1×10⁻³(8×10⁻³)(8×10⁻³)  II

δΓ=−49^(KJ/Mol)  III

[0024] This represents the free negative energy value of the hydrolysisof ATP used for bacterial processes at 37 degrees C. and pH of 7.0.

[0025] In summary, the central role of ATP in metabolism is that energyobtained from lipids, fats, and carbohydrates is stored in ATP. Fromthis storage the hydrolysis of ATP supplies energy to form the organicsubstances for cell walls, nucleic acids, and the nutritive compounds tosustain life and the reproduction of cells. The ATP itself issynthesized in the integral enzyme complexes of the plasma membrane ofbacteria by a series of redox reactions between NAD⁺, FP, CoQ, and thecytochrome series which biochemists call ETS. This series of redoxreactions causes an electrochemical gradient between the inside andoutside of the plasma membrane. The change in electrical potentialreleases energy in such a way that protons are pushed outside thecytosol and establishes an acid pH in the external environment of thebacteria. The protons flow back into the cytosol via F₀ and then to F₁and this triggers a catalytic reaction to form more ATP. The electronsliberate their energy by transportation down a voltage gradient causinga flow of protons. This phenomena is called the Proton Motive Force. Bydisrupting this system it is possible to obtund the bacterial count ofacid-producing bacteria.

[0026] The Demineralization Process

[0027] In order to understand the inventive system, and the reactionprocess used to obtund decay and periodontal disease, a description ofthe mineral composition of the apatite crystal structure of dentin andthe natural covering of enamel bathed in saliva is necessary.

[0028] All healthy teeth have a natural covering consisting of ahydrated glycoprotein adhesive film called a pellicle. The outer-mostlayer is a disaccharide called sialic acid. Within this layer is aprotein section of the film composed of amino acids. For the most partserine, aspartic, glycine and glutamine, and to a lesser extent, otheressential acids are present. There is a hydration layer between thepellicle and enamel where sialic acid is hydrolyzed and attracts thecations of the apatite crystals.

[0029] The hydration layer is vectorial and the positive portion isdirected toward the negatively charged oxyanion of the phosphate sectionof the apatite crystal. That is, this vector charge insulates thesurface of the teeth. The magnitude and direction of the hydration layeris a natural insulator opposing an electrical potential. Any claim thatan electrical potential can be placed on a tooth surface does not takethis physico-chemical phenomena into consideration.

[0030] The hard tissues of enamel and dentin are made of bundles ofpure, and impure, apatite and these bundles are the prime target foracid decomposition by bacteria. Pure apatite crystals are represented bythe formula Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂. In the enamel and dentin of teeth, calciummay be intermittently substituted by cations such as Na⁺, Mg⁺⁺, Zn⁺⁺ andother cations to a lesser extent. Also, the phosphate anion may besubstituted by a carbonate anion. These substituted areas show hexagonalholes which are connected by carbonates and some of the impuresubstituted regions of the crystals. The impure apatite crystals usingsodium as representative of impure cations present can be illustrated asfollows: Na_(α)Ca_(10−α)(PO₄)_(6−β)(OH)₂.

[0031] The present inventive system will be used as an adjunct to thenatural processes of immunity and the supersaturated solution of calciumand phosphate ions that exist in the saliva by using the fluoride andbicarbonate compounds within gels, dentrifices, and rinses ofover-the-counter dental products used in dental health procedures. Theconjugate base fluoride ion is a weaker base than the hydroxyl ion ofthe apatite crystal and will not react with acids produced by bacteria.

[0032] Salivary products, bacterial metabolites and bacteria willeventually cover the pellicle and form a gelatinous mass called plaque.Plaque adheres to pits, fissures and crevices between the teeth and thegums. The enamel surface of teeth displays many features that allow thediffusion of cations, anions and acid products of bacteria entrance.These features include focal holes that contain global proteins, enamelrod boundaries and developmental spaces call the lines of Retzius. Thepresent invention can use these natural features to great advantage toobtund decay and prevent periodontal disease.

[0033] The focal holes, the developmental spaces of the lines of Retziusand any enamel imperfection spaces offer diffusion pathways to the weakacid, hydrogen fluoride (HF). This weak acid is an important product ofthe electrolytic reaction produced by the present invention system.

[0034] Tooth decay begins when acid products of bacteria dissolve theapatite crystal bundles of enamel. Sucrose in the diet, under theinfluence of Streptococcus mutans, is converted into a stickypolysaccharide. This material can function as part of plaque structureand also as a food source for bacteria in time of food deprivation. TheS. mutans ATP, when chelated to Mg²⁺, activates the enzyme glucosyltransferase on the substrate sucrose by hydrolysis to increase the rateof reaction. The S. mutans group of bacteria are gram-positivefacultative types that coexist with blood cells, ions andimmunoglobulins in the saliva. S. Mutans creates an acid media in theplaque in which colonies and aggregates of mixed colonies of differentbacteria flourish. The predominate bacterial type depends on the pH ofthe saliva. S. mutans also uses sucrose as a substrate for nutrition.With the enzyme hexokinase and the hydrolysis of ATP as an energy sourceS. mutans metabolizes sucrose to glucose and fructose phosphates. Thesesubstrates diffuse through the plasma membrane into the cytosol with theaid of the proton motive force (PMF) and the electron transport system(ETS).

[0035] As the magnitude of the plaque increases, that is, as it matures,the acid media created by S. mutans, and later Lactobacillus, is optimalfor the growth of cocci, rods, bacteroides, spirillum, spirochaetes,Veillonella and fusiforms etc. These bacteria contribute to all thedental diseases to which humans are subject. Lactobacillus is agram-positive anaerobe and flourishes in low oxygen tension of acidmedia of plaque initiated by S. mutans metabolites. Lactobacillus isnext in importance to S. mutans and uses pyruvate as a substrate toferment lactic acid.

[0036] The acid media of plaque contains not only lactic acid but also,acetic, propionic, succinic, formic and citric acids as a consequence ofan active flora of various bacteria. The protons flow into spacesthermodynamically to equalize the pH between the plaque and the enamel.The protons diffuse through plaque into porous enamel and dentin anddissolve the enamel freeing the calcium and phosphate ions of theapatite bundles into the saliva. This acid-mediated demineralization isthe first sign of decay.

[0037] The Remineralization Process

[0038] Saliva in the oral cavity has a physiological pH that variesbetween 6.8 and 8.0 with buffering components of phosphate ions,peptides and bicarbonates to neutralize the acids produced by bacteria.Saliva is supersaturated with molecular calcium phosphate in equilibriumwith Ca²⁺ ions and PO₄ ³⁻ ions. With the aid of enough fluoride insolution it can remineralize the demineralized enamel and dentin.Commercial over-the-counter dentrifices, gels and rinses containingfluoride rely upon passive diffusion of fluoride ions between the plaqueand enamel to arrest decay of teeth. This process is random andcompromised by salivary buffers.

[0039] The average dentrifice has an alkali metal fluoride concentrationof available fluoride ion on the average of 0.15% to 0.22%. The cationicmetal fluoride, in the presence of acid plaque and salivary buffers,will increase in concentration according to its solubility product. Thatis, the molecule will dissociate into a cation and a fluoride ion in thepresence of a hydronium ion (H⁺+HOH=H₃O⁺). The basic conjugate fluorideion will react with hydronium ion to form HF in aqueous solution. HF isa weak acid and has a low entropy. That is, HF is highly structured, aweak electrolyte and is weakly dissociated. The dissociation constantand reaction formula can be illustrated as:

NaF_(aq)=Na⁺ _(aq)+F⁻ _(aq)  IV and

H₃O⁺+F⁻ _(aq)=HF_(aq)+HOH  V

K_(a)=6.9×10⁻⁴ M. of HF_(aq)  VI

[0040] As the F⁻ _(aq) reacts with hydronium ion to form HF_(aq), theNaF_(aq) will increase its disassociation according to its solubilityproduct and more F⁻ _(aq) will react with the hydronium ion. Thisprocess is random and compromised by salivary buffers. The presentinvention will produce more protons to generate hydronium ion and is amore efficient use of fluoride present in a dentrifice, gel or rinse.The present invention will establish a proton gradient in a moreefficient manner and a condition of maximum change.

[0041] Na_(aq) ⁺ (aqueous sodium ion) and F_(aq) ⁻ (aqueous fluorideion) have high standard reduction potentials and will not participate inredox reactions in an aqueous media; water molecules will preferentiallyparticipate in the redox reactions.

[0042] Water molecules are reduced at a cathode and undergo an oxidationreaction at the anode. Water molecules oxidized at an anode producediatomic oxygen, hydrogen ions, 2 electrons and have an oxidationpotential of 1.229 V. This evolved diatomic oxygen at the anode willbleach the teeth. The overall reaction can be illustrated as follows:

2H₂O+2e=H₂+2OH⁻  VIII

E⁰=−0.828 V  IX

2H₂O=O₂+4H++2e  X

E⁰=−1.229 V  XI

E⁰=−2.057 V  XII

[0043] TOTAL

[0044] Equation XII is the calculated voltage. However, in practice,there is an additional voltage required in reactions involving hydrogenand oxygen of 0.6 V called the overvoltage This means a voltage of atleast 2.657 V must be used as the energy source. A 3 V lithium batteryor more may be used for this purpose in the present invention.

[0045] The hydrogen ions produced at the anode causes an acid regionwith H₃O⁺ (i.e., hydronium ions). The hydronium ions will react withhydroxyl ions and the electrophilic fluoride negative ions that are inan aqueous slurry of dentrifice used in oral hygiene. The fluoridenegative ions will also react with plaque acids that have been producedby bacteria.

[0046] The result of these combinations is a weak acid HF and water, andmay be represented symbolically as:

F_(aq) ⁻+H₃O⁺=HF+H₂O  XIII

[0047] The production of the weak acid HF using the energy ofelectromotive force is a more efficient manner of using the availablefluoride ions present in gels, dentrifices and rinses rather than therandom passive diffusion of the fluoride compounds of gels, dentrificesand rinses that are subject to salivary buffers of the oral cavity.

[0048] Antibacterial Effects of Hydrogen Fluoride

[0049] This invention uses a circuit in which a battery acts as anelectron pump pushing electrons from a cathode contact plate surface andremoving them from an anode contact plate surface in a slurry of salivaand gels, dentrifices and rinses containing fluoride compounds andsometimes bicarbonate compounds. At the cathode, ions undergo reductionby accepting electrons. This process is an oxidation-reduction reactionand the system uses electrolysis of water in which the area around theanode becomes acidic and oxygen is evolved. The hydronium ions willreact with fluoride ions to form the weak acid hydrogen fluoride(HF_(aq)) and this product will obtund decay and prevent periodontitisby upsetting the proton motive force of bacteria. HF_(aq) will alsoharden teeth by reacting with hydroxy apatite crystals of enamel anddentin. The hydronium ions will react with bicarbonate ions and form theweak acid hydrogen bicarbonate (H₂CO₃) which will contribute to an acidpH within the bacterial cytosol and also upset the proton motive forceof bacteria.

[0050] The aqueous fluoride molecules in dentifrices, gels and rinsesexist in random positions when mixed with saliva in the oral cavity.When voltage is applied to this mixture the random positions organizeparallel to the electric field and the protons gather at the anode andunite with F_(aq) ⁻ to form the acid HF. This HF will diffuse into thebacterial cytosol by mass action until equilibrium is reached on bothsides of the plasma membrane. The cytosol is buffered by H₂PO₄^(−(6.84)) and HPO₄ ^(−(12.80)) and is relatively basic. The HF willdissociate as H^(+ions) (i.e., positively charged hydrogen ions;protons) and F_(aq) ^(−ions) (i.e., aqueous negatively charged fluorideions). The protons in the cytosol have bypassed the F₀ channel andsynthesis of ATP will not take place.

[0051] The F_(aq) ^(−ions) will have an adverse effect on thereproduction and metabolic mechanisms of the bacteria by forminganalogues in place of the intermediate metabolic substrates at theactive sites of the enzymes. The analogue has the same configuration asthe substrate and bonds to the active site. The enzyme is neutralizedand can not perform its' function. A notable example is the aconitaseenzyme. The F_(aq) ^(−ion) will join the double bond dehydratedintermediate molecule cis-aconitate to form an analogue. In the citricacid cycle the tertiary alcohol citrate can not be oxidized. A secondaryalcohol isocitrate is formed by isomerization which can be oxidized. Theaddition of fluoride to the cis-aconitate forms an analogue and theenzyme can not function. The result is that the cycle is stopped at thatpoint and the bacteria will not survive.

[0052] The F_(aq) ^(−ion) will form an analogue with thymidylatesynthase and replaces deoxyuridine monophospate which aids in theproduction of DNA. This will result in disrupting reproductionfunctions.

[0053] As the HF reaches a stage of equilibrium on both sides of theplasma membrane the F_(aq) ^(−ion) will effuse out of the cytosol tojoin protons and form more HF. Some of the F_(aq) ^(−ion) will remainbehind and form molecules with the cofactors and chelators Mg⁺⁺, Mn⁺⁺andK⁺. These cations are cofactors and chelators for mutase, enolase, andkinase which are used to catalyze reactions of the Embden-Meyerhofanaerobic glycolysis that form phosphoenolpyruvate and phosphoglyceratesto form pyruvate. This will result in disrupting the functions ofnutrition in bacteria.

[0054] Enamel Hardening Effects of Hydrogen Fluoride

[0055] Acids produced by bacteria will demineralize (CO₃)_(β) andnon-calcium regions of tooth enamel and dentin. The saliva issupersaturated with calcium and phosphates along with phosphate andbicarbonate buffering systems. The saliva, therefore, neutralizes acidsand provides calcium and phosphate ions to replace the dissolved cationand anions of the crystals of dentin and enamel. This process is calledremineralization and hardens the enamel and dentin.

[0056] During acid production of plaque bacteria, the HF produced by thevoltage (EMF) travels through the pellicle to the neutral water coveringbetween the enamel and the pellicle-plaque layers to the enamel surface.The fluoride adheres to the crystals as CaF₂ (i.e., calcium difluoride).This speeds up the remineralization by the growth of fluoroapatitecrystals (FAP) and the hydroxyapatite crystals of the demineralizedregions.

[0057] The formula for the demineralization by lactic acid of apatiterepresents the acid breakdown of apatite crystal follows:

Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂=10Ca_(aq) ²⁺+6(PO₄)_(aq)+2OH_(aq) ⁻  IX

[0058] The formula for the lactic acid reaction with the apatite crystaland the products:

Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂+CH₃CHOHCOOH=3Ca₃(PO₄)₆+2HOH+(CH₃CHOHCOO)₂Ca  X

[0059] The production of HF through the influence of the electromotiveforce (EMF) produced in the present invention will help obtund decay ofteeth by strengthening the enamel and dentin crystals. This reaction isrepresented by the formula:

Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆(OH)₂+2HF=Ca₁₀(PO₄)₆F₂+2HOH  XI

[0060] The aqueous fluoride ion adheres to the crystals and replaces thehydroxyl molecules of the apatite crystals. The fluoride in the form ofCaF₂ from the saliva will replace the (CO₃)_(β) and non-calcium ion andhydroxyls by adhering to the surfaces also.

[0061] Chemically, the F_(aq) ^(−ion) is a weaker base than OH^(−ions)and the modified crystal called fluoroapatite (FAP) is more resistant toacids produced by bacteria. Physically, the action of the fluoride ionon the apatite crystal will diminish the distance between the radii ofthe calcium and the fluoride ions in the crystal. This is according toVan de Waals law of attraction between nuclei. The volume of FAP is lessthan hydroxylapatite (HAP) and will be more dense as a result and willbe less likely to break down under acid attack.

[0062] The present invention applies a suitable voltage to fluoride andbicarbonate gels, dentrifices, and rinses to obtund decay of teeth bydisrupting the proton motive force of bacterial cells, therebyinterfering with the synthesis of ATP. This will destroy the bacteriathat produces acid and causes caries (i.e., decay of teeth) andperiodontal lesions in the oral cavity.

[0063] In addition, the present invention will strengthen the apatitecrystals by producing HF more efficiently as a F_(aq) ^(−ion) source foradhering fluoride ions to the HAP crystal and as a source of CaF₂ forthe impure apatite crystals that are of the form:

Na_(α)Ca_(10−α)(PO₄)_(6−β)(CO₃)_([b]β)(OH)₂  XII

[0064] The foregoing description of the inventive system is to beunderstood as given by illustration and example. The numerous changesand detailed combination and arrangement of parts my be reconstitutedwithout departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinclaimed.

I claim:
 22. A method, comprising: a) providing i) an electromotivecircuit; ii) teeth; and iii) a dental product selected from the groupconsisting of dentrifices, gels and rinses; b) contacting saidelectromotive circuit with said dental product, thereby generating i)electrolytic redox reaction ions, ii) oxygen and iii) hydrogen; and c)applying said reaction ions to said teeth under conditions wherein saidteeth are bleached.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein saidelectromotive circuit comprises a toothbrush comprising: a) a handleincorporating a cathode contact plate and an anode contact plate; b) acathode lead contacting said cathode contact plate, wherein said cathodelead progresses through said handle; c) an anode lead contacting saidanode contact plate, wherein said anode lead progresses through saidhandle; d) a battery placed within said handle, wherein said cathodelead and said anode lead contact said battery; e) a rectifying diodecontacting said anode lead, wherein said rectifying diode is on thecathode side of said battery; and f) a photovoltaic cell connected tosaid anode lead and said cathode lead, thereby forming an electromotivecircuit.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein said reaction ions areselected from the group consisting of hydrogen, fluoride, hydronium,hydroxide, bicarbonate and sodium ions.
 25. The method of claim 24,wherein said fluoride ion replaces enamel and dentin apatite hydroxyls.26. The method of claim 24, wherein said fluoride ion formsfluoroapatites, thereby providing more resistance to acid decay.
 27. Themethod of claim 24, wherein said fluoride ion forms calcium difluoridethereby speeding up fluoroapatite and hydroxyapatite crystal growth onthe surface of the enamel and dentin.
 28. The method of claim 22,wherein during step (c), said reaction ions lower plaque-formingbacterial growth.
 29. The method of claim 28, wherein saidplaque-forming bacteria are selected from the group consisting of S.mutans, Lactobacillus, cocci, rods, bacteriodes, spirillum,spirochaetes, Veillonella, and fusiforms.
 30. The method of claim 28,wherein said lowering of plaque-forming bacterial growth is by aninterference with ATP synthesis.
 31. The method of claim 30, whereinsaid interference with ATP synthesis is by stopping electron transportsystem and disrupting anaerobic glycolysis.